Eye-gouging penalty wasn't nearly enough to fit the crime

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 2:08 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

I’m trying to decide which was the greater injustice: Florida coach Urban Meyer benching linebacker Brandon Spikes for only a half-game for trying to gouge out the eyes of a Georgia player — wow, a whole two quarters — or the spineless SEC officials ruling that the wimpy suspension was appropriate.

Spikes took them off the hook a little bit on Wednesday by volunteering to sit out all four quarters of Saturday’s Vanderbilt game (Meyer agreed), but the punishment still doesn’t fit the crime.

On replays, Spikes clearly can be seen digging his fingers into the eye socket of running back Washaun Ealey. I’ve heard the usual drivel about how common it is for shenanigans to take place at the bottom of piles, but I don’t buy it. Folks tried to use that rationale several years ago when Ohio State’s Robert Reynolds was caught wrapping his hands around Wisconsin quarterback Jim Sorgi’s throat. It was a stomach-turning attack on a defenseless player, and Reynolds’ suspension of one game also was too lenient.

Having only played CYO football, maybe I don’t understand just how close to the edge players have to be to inflict bodily harm on those in opposing uniforms — especially on someone who’s actually carrying the ball. But Spikes could have permanently injured the Georgia player, and I’m certain this isn’t the kind of punishment that will make him think twice about doing it again.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com

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